BHAR Application & Design Guidelines

The Board of Historic & Architectural Review (BHAR) supports and furtherance of its findings and determination that the historical, cultural and aesthetic heritage of the City of Columbus is among its most valued and important assets. The preservation of this heritage is essential to the promotion of the health, prosperity and general welfare of the people. Its functions include:

To stimulate revitalization of the business districts and historic neighborhoods and to protect and enhance local historical and aesthetic attractions to tourists and thereby promote and stimulate business.

To enhance the opportunities for federal and/or state tax benefits under relevant provisions of federal or state law.

To provide for the designation, protection, preservation and rehabilitation of historic properties and historic districts and to participate in federal or state programs to do the same.

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Fees and Application

A Certificate of Appropriateness is required for any change in materials or appearance to the exterior of a designated historic property prior to beginning construction. Common alterations that must be approved include but are not limited to: addition of fences, construction of decks, porches and ramps, and demolition of any structure in the historic districts. Additional information is available by clicking the "Design Guidelines" button below.

To begin the review process, first download and fill out a Certificate of Appropriateness application. To download an application, click the "Review Application" button below. Once completed, the application and all supporting documents must be received by the Planning Department no later than 5:00 PM on the applicable application deadline date (view Application Deadline dates).

The following form is available in fillable PDF format. Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view and print PDF files and PDF fill-in forms. Adobe Acrobat is required to save PDF fill-in forms. After completing the form, you are still required to drop the application in our office with the required supporting information.

The applicant or their appointed representative must be present at the Board of Historic and Architectural Review meeting. The case will not be heard without a representative present. If your case has been approved by the Board, the Certificate of Approval can be picked up from the Planning Department on the Monday following the meeting.

Effective July 1, 2011, an application fee will be charged for demolitions, new constructions, additions or modifications of existing constructions in any of the Historic Districts.

Type

Fee

Certificate of Appropriateness Application Fee

$25.00

Demolition Permit Submission Fee

$50.00

Staff Approval Request Fee (see Design Guidelines Pg. 2-3)

$10.00

Meetings

The Board of Historic & Architectural Review's meeting schedule, along with application deadlines, is below.

Unless stated otherwise, meetings for the Board will be held at the time and location below:

*Applications must be submitted to the Planning Division of the Columbus Consolidated Government before 5:00 p.m. of the deadline date along with all applicable requirements.

No incomplete applications will be accepted after the Application Deadline. If you have questions concerning the completeness of your application please contact Lynda Temples, Transportation Planner at (706) 653-4116. We will be happy to review any applications for completeness prior to the Application Deadline.

The applicant or their appointed representative must be present at the Board of Historic and Architectural Review meeting. The case will not be heard without a representative present.

BHAR meetings are held in the ground floor Conference Room at the Government Center ANNEX, located at 420 10th Street.

** Subject to change due to possible holidays (city government).

Meeting Minutes Archive

Listed below are the meeting minutes from past years for the Board of Historic & Architectural Review.

Members

The board consists of eleven members appointed by the Columbus City Council. All members are required to be residents of the City of Columbus and be persons who have demonstrated special interest, experience or education in history, architecture or the preservation of historic resources. The current board members are: